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UPIKE students awarded scholarships for research

Four students from the University of Pikeville were awarded Lee B. Ledford scholarships by the Appalachian College Association (ACA) to conduct research on campus this summer.

“At the University of Pikeville, students conduct research alongside our distinguished faculty,” said Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D. “The dynamic research taking place as part of this initiative is not only key to a liberal arts education, but support efforts within the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) and Kentucky College of Optometry. We are committed to innovative research and are grateful for the support from the Appalachian College Association.”

Terrionna Bentley, a biology major from Phelps, will research the impact of Septin silencing in pancreatic cancer cell lines. She will work with faculty advisor Maiyon Park, Ph.D., assistant professor of physiology at KYCOM.

Ivvy Gulley will study the prevalence and impact of Vitamin D deficiency in the Appalachian region. She is from Clintwood, Va., and is majoring in business administration. Gulley’s faculty advisor is Tim Whittier, Ph.D., professor of biology.

Jacqueline Kidd’s research will focus on the impact of eptins in pancreatic cancer. Park will serve as her faculty advisor. Kidd is a nursing major from Martin.

Christopher Walker, of Pikeville, intends to engage in a multi-stage process of preparing a bobcat and horse skeleton to become learning tools in the sciences with faculty advisor Mathis Meyer, associate professor of biology. Walker is majoring in biology and chemistry.

The scholarships provide a research stipend up to $5,120, including funds to purchase equipment. The Ledford scholarship fund supports research experiences for students attending ACA colleges who graduated from high school or were home schooled in a designated Appalachian or contiguous county as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission.